what's in a name?

Acts 4:17 & Acts 5:28
    A person's name is his identification. It is printed on our driver's licenses, checkbooks and a myriad of other forms. It's 'who we are', and yet, our names are far more than what appears on a license or form. When we hear someone's name, we think of that individual according to what we know about them from personal experience, or what we know about them from what we have heard.
    A person's name becomes not only his/her identification, but their identity as well. Names become synonymous with their behavior and behavior reflects character, which leads to a reputation. Reputation is what a person is know for, so, our names identify our character as known by reputation.
     What do you think of when you read or hear the name "Jesus"? In our texts, the disciples Peter and John are commanded to stop speaking publicly in 'this name', which the context shows, is referring to the name of Jesus.
     "This name" still brings a reaction. Some claim to be offended by it, yet use it freely as a curse word. Others revere it, using it reverently. Some hate it, while some hallow it. It brings out the best in some and the worst in others.
      Perhaps you have noticed that at public events, when prayer is allowed, there are those who restrict the name of Jesus from being used. Our military chaplains are often prohibited from praying "in Jesus' name", lest someone be offended - yet no like consideration is given to Christians who might likewise be offended due to the restriction.
     What is it about "this name"? Why is the name "Jesus" found by some to be offensive?  I find, from the opinions of others, that it is not so much the life that He lived, but in the claims that He made. While no one could find fault with Him, but took offense at what He said (John 8:43ff). There are many reasons, even today, that people find fault with Him...too many to go into here, but the primary cause is due to Who He is. The Jews of His day took offense because He claimed to be God (John 10:31-33). Others find offense in that He declared Himself to be the only way to the Father (John 14:1-6). Today, many are still offended in Him for these reasons.
     Though many continue to find offense in "this name", those who have believed on the name of Jesus agree that "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
KJV and we believe that "God has given Him a name above all others" and one day 'every knee shall bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord" (Phil. 2:9-11).
    With all the controversy over His name, you just might want to consider that there may be something to it!
     Bill and Gloria Gaither were impressed by their grandparents speaking so often about Jesus, that it wasn't long before this beloved chorus was written, take the time to sing, THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT THAT NAME.